Las Palomas WMA, Lower Rio Grande Valley Units


Phone: (956) 498-4791
Address:
154B Lakeview Drive
Weslaco, TX 78596

Contact: Jimmy Stout

Dates Open: Open year round, except closed for Special Permit hunts.

Description

Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area (LPWMA) consists of 18 management units throughout the Lower Rio Grande Valley. These lands were acquired for the purposes of conserving white-winged dove nesting habitat. Purchase of the units started in 1958 and continued through 1992. Funding for the purchase of these units was primarily funded by white-winged dove stamp dollars. The LPWMA manages Tamaulipan thornforest, grasslands, farmland, and wetlands for wildlife. Initially, properties were acquired for white-winged dove nesting habitat. Efforts were then focused on conservation and re-establishment of Tamaulipan thornscrub through re-vegetation, in areas where it was lacking up through 2011. Efforts have now shifted focus to combating non-native and invasive grasses through mechanical and chemical treatments, yearly.

There are two methods for public hunting opportunity with LPWMA. Annual Public Hunting Permit holders can access 9 units from September through February allowing them to hunt chachalaca, quail, rabbit, white-winged dove, mourning dove and white-tipped dove. We are the only WMA complex in Texas which offers chachalaca hunts. The other method is through our Drawn Hunts. We offer 7 white-tailed deer hunts at the Arroyo Colorado Unit, 5 being youth only, 1 adult archery and 1 adult rifle. We also offer 3 javelina hunts at the Longoria Unit.

In addition to hunting and conservation efforts, LPWMA fosters research opportunities for universities, non-profit organizations, and other governmental agencies. Current and past research has included songbird, hawk, and hummingbird banding, snake fungal disease investigations, black-spotted newt occupancy, ocelot habitat use, and species of greatest conservation need surveys.

Please Note
  • There aren't any restroom facilities.
  • Bring your own drinking water.